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Carpenter

A practical, manual role with a variety of specialised and general tasks in the construction industry.

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Job opportunities

4,603

Jobs on SEEK right now

Job growth

11.7%*

Projected job growth in 5 years

What's it like to be

What can I earn as a Carpenter?

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NSW

VIC

QLD

TAS

ACT

The most common annual salary in AUS for a Carpenter is between $55k and $65k

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Source: SEEK job ads. Salaries include superannuation.

How to become a Carpenter

To become officially certified as a Carpenter you'll need a Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30211. This qualification provides a trade outcome in carpentry and covers work in residential and commercial applications for people completing an apprenticeship. You will need to have finished year 10 and be placed in an apprenticeship to start your training.

Complete a Certificate III in Carpentry or a Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery CPC32011 in a TAFE institution. This usually takes between three and four years to complete.
Anyone who works on a construction site in Australia is required to do construction induction training and get a "White Card" through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). You will need to provide the trainer with 100 points of ID and pay the fee (set independently by each RTO).
Apply for a Certificate of Completion. This nationally recognised accreditation shows that you have completed your training and are ready to start working in the carpentry industry.

Explore related qualifications

SEEK users who have worked as a Carpenter have studied these qualifications.

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QLD

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ACT

Certificate III in Carpentry

This qualification provides the skills to prepare for a career in the carpentry industry.

Compare institutions

See 14 institutions that offer this course in Australia.

Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery

This qualification will prepare you to work in carpentry and joinery in both residential and commercial settings.

Compare institutions

See 6 institutions that offer this course in Australia.

Skills and experience employers are looking for

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Construction Induction White Card

Drivers Licence

Renovations

Building Construction

Construction Industry

Self Motivation

Punctual

Using Hand Tools

Using Power Tools

Autonomy

Skills listed in your SEEK Profile

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Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data

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How do Carpenters rate their role?

Latest reviews from 6 Carpenters surveyed on SEEK

Work-life balance

3.7

Job satisfaction

4.2

Career progression opportunities

3.8

Job security

3.7

Pay / Salary

3.8

Variety of work

3.7

Latest reviews

All

Positive

Negative

Nov 2018

Challenging and rewarding

Reviewer's Qualification

Certificate III in Building and Construction (Carpentry and Joinery)

Experience

10+ years

Organisation size

Small (1-19 employees)

Specialisation

General building

The good things

The essential feeling of contributing to the world we live in and the sense of achievement when projects are completed successfully. Its hard work sometimes but mostly worth it.

The challenges

The job can be physically challenging and dirty at times, however these challenges only aid in the reward and sense of achievement felt at the end of the day.

Mar 2021

Carpentry can be hard but rewarding

Reviewer's Qualification

Builder

Experience

10+ years

Organisation size

Small (1-19 employees)

Specialisation

Carpentry

The good things

If you like building houses and working with timber carpentry is a great trade, it’s hard work but satisfying seeing the end result, you get to work with some good people and it’s a good life balance ...

The challenges

It’s hard work sometimes and can be hard to have full time work

Source: SEEK Role Reviews